Soccer-Morata double keeps up 10-man Atletico's Barca chase

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SAN SEBASTIAN, March 3 (Reuters) - Atletico Madrid kept up their pursuit of La Liga leaders Barcelona with an Alvaro Morata double in a 2-0 win at Real Sociedad on Sunday, despite having to play the final half-hour with 10 men after Koke was sent off.

Morata, who had scored his first goal for the club in last week’s 2-0 win over Villarreal, rose to head home from close range on the half-hour mark following a corner which had been flicked on by Atleti captain Diego Godin.

Morata, who is on loan from Chelsea, used his aerial prowess again to double his side’s advantage three minutes later, glancing in a free kick from Koke.

Spain midfielder Koke earned his first yellow card late in the first half and clumsily picked up a second booking in the 62nd minute.

But Diego Simeone’s side coped admirably and rarely looked like letting their lead slip.

Atletico are second in the La Liga standings on 53 points, moving five clear of third-placed Real Madrid and closing to within seven of leaders Barcelona, who have 60 points after winning 1-0 at Real in Saturday’s ‘Clasico’. (Reporting by Richard Martin Editing by Ian Chadband)